Wallabies lose Simmons

Australia may be without Rob Simmons in Cardiff, just as they were in 2012

The Wallabies will be sweating on the fitness of second row Rob Simmons in the lead up to the final Dove Men Series encounter with Wales in Cardiff on November 30.

Australia are Wales' final autumn opponents after the visits of South Africa, Argentina and Tonga as Ewen McKenzie's men complete their own Grand Slam tour.

Simmons is struggling with a knee injury he first picked up in match action and has since aggravated in training.

The 24-year-old Reds star strained his left knee in the recent 41-33 defeat to New Zealand in Dunedin, before slipping during shuttle runs in preparation for the Wallabies' opening tour match against England this weekend.

Simmons will now definitely miss that Twickenham tie as he looks at a minimum of two weeks on the sidelines.

He will also sit out the game against Italy in Rome and is considered a serious doubt for the trip to Ireland prior to the clash with Scotland at Murrayfield and the Millennium Stadium match up with Wales.

The news is a big blow for McKenzie and co given that Simmons was expected to partner James Horwill in the bolierhouse for much of next month.

Known for his athleticism, agility and application, Simmons is also the Wallabies' primary lineout caller. With neither Horwill nor likely replacement Sitaleki Timani particularly comfortable in that role, No8 Ben Mowen is expected to call the shots against England Italy at least.

"It's really disappointing to be without Simmo, who probably doesn't get enough recognition for the role he plays in this team, including as a lineout organiser and our top-tackling forward," said McKenzie.

"He plays a different game to James and Sitaleki so you'll see various subtle changes to the way the team functions without him."

Simmons suffered similar bad luck the last time the Wallabies were in Europe, although on that occasion his tour absence was more of his own making. A dangerous tackle just 15 minutes into the loss to France in Paris saw him suspended for eight weeks, meaning he didn't play in the last-gasp win over Wales.

British & Irish Lions trio Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams and Dan Biggar return to the Wales starting line-up for Saturday's crucial NatWest 6 Nations encounter in Dublin against Ireland where Warren Gatland's men will be seeking their second scalp of the campaign.

Wales forward coach Robin McBryde has given Welsh fans a major boost ahead of this weekend's vital NatWest 6 Nations clash by declaring "Everybody has been given the green light," with injured trio Dan Biggar, Taulupe Faletau and Leigh Halfpenny all back in training.

The Wales squad met back up this morning to prepare for the clash against England - WRU TV caught up with Neil Jenkins who said the squad were under no illusions for their next task but a trip to Twickenham doesn't hold any fears for a confident Wales side.

Wales hooker Ken Owens was delighted to get the NatWest 6 Nations off to a flying start with a convincing win against Scotland, where he says the squad were determined to deliver a performance 'from minute one.'

Welsh referee Nigel Owens will create history in the opening round of the NatWest 6 Nations clash at Stade de France where France face Ireland, when he surpasses the previous record of 17 Six Nations matches held by Alain Rolland and Jonathan Kaplan, as WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie discovers

Just two days until the NatWest 6 Nations kicks off. George North takes WRU TV around the players area at Principality Stadium after going through security - which fans will have to do on Saturday. Gates open at 11.15 - don't leave it late!

Next in the series of #TheTeamRoom we listen in to the first leadership group in camp. The players were asked to nominate their peers who they wanted to represent them on the group and we hear what Warren and the players have to say.